§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the(a) terms of reference and (b) objectives of the Greenwich Foundation. [19017]
§ Dr. ReidThe Greenwich Foundation is a registered charitable company limited by guarantee whose objectives are
to preserve for the benefit of the nation the Royal Naval College site, buildings and monuments as being of historical, architectural, and artistic importance (including to their immediate environment), and to educate the public thereon".
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the estimated costs of(a) repairing dilapidations and (b) the removal of Crown immunity at the Royal Naval College. [19018]
§ Dr. ReidDetailed negotiations are continuing between the Ministry of Defence, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Greenwich Foundation and Greenwich Hospital on the quantum of a dilapidation settlement. No final figure has yet been agreed.
The detailed effect of the removal of Crown exemption and resulting costs are still being assessed.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the state of readiness of the Royal Naval College in the year 2000. [19021]
§ Dr. ReidDefence use of the site will cease in mid-1999. Planning for the Royal Naval College thereafter will be a matter for the Greenwich Foundation, on the assumption that it has assumed responsibility for the site. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence will continue to be required to approve occupation, as required by section 30 of the Armed Forces Act 1996.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Royal Naval College. [19019]
§ Dr. ReidThe Greenwich Foundation for the Royal Naval College is working closely with Government and Greenwich Hospital to conclude arrangements which will allow it to take responsibility for the Royal Naval College as Defence use ceases. The Foundation is negotiating with the University of Greenwich and others on the future occupation of the buildings.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce the new occupant for the Royal Naval College. [19020]
§ Dr. ReidThe Greenwich Foundation is in discussion with potential occupants, including the University of Greenwich and Trinity College of Music. Once the Foundation is satisfied that it can assume responsibility for the site and is content to sub-let to particular occupants, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence will need to approve these under the terms of section 30 of the Armed Forces Act 1996. Announcements on occupation would be likely to be made by the Foundation.
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§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to meet the Chairman and trustees of the Greenwich Foundation for the Royal Naval College. [19016]
§ Dr. ReidNo meetings are currently scheduled. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has made it clear that he is ready to meet with representatives of the Foundation as necessary, as he and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and their respective officials have previously done on many occasions.